temp change and salinity?

[skeeter_ca]

Some times when i mix my new saltwater to do a water change the temp in the trashcan is up to 85 degrees, it is kept in the garage. I want to be able to predict what direction the salinity will go as the water cools as it is slowly added to the tank. I use the cheaper refractormeter to check salinity and don't think it is temperature compensating. The tank has a chiller to maintain 80 degrees. Should i set the salinity slightly higher, lower or the same as the tank so when mixed with tank water it will be correct?

[reefnetworth]

i adjust all my parms to as close as i can to the display parms. :thumbsup:
is it possible to mix/keep indoors for 24 hrs?
maybe the temp will be lowered by house temp to at least 80F.

[bertoni]

Colder water is denser, so the SG will increase a bit as the water cools. This article has some data:

http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-07/rhf/index.php

I'd let a bit of water cool to tank temperature, and then measure it, to be sure about the compensation issue.

[schoch79]

I wouldn't think it would change very much but maybe you can just bring the trashcan inside for a day before the water change?